Nyamagere Gladys Sospeter

(Ardhi University, Dar es salaam, Tanzania)

 

 

Abstract: The purpose of this paper is to provide insights on the challenges women face when they attempt to establish and develop business in the construction industry in Tanzania. To attain this objective a case study research strategy was employed in which six cases of women entrepreneurs in the construction industry were explored. Data were collected through a combination of methods, including in-depth interviews with a range of participants such as women entrepreneurs in the construction industry (WECI), their managers, clients and regulatory agencies. Document analysis and observations were also used to obtain data. The findings show that, unlike women in the traditionally female-dominated industries, WECI face a number of challenges such as: managerial, technical, financial, socio-cultural and gender. In terms of policy, the findings provide some information on how socio-cultural environment pose different types of challenges to WECI for guiding them to formulate effective policies and improve the business environment. In addition, the education system needs to be reformed with the view to attract more females in technical education in order to increase the emergence of WECI.

 

 

Key words: construction; women; entrepreneurship; challenges; Tanzania

 

JEL codes: M